Lensbaby Composer vs Control Freak (3G)

Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 Aspherical MF Wide Angle - Black

07/28/2009 04:06:48 PM · #1

Okay, I think I may break down and buy a Lensbaby. They look like so much fun! I don�t want to be left out!

From what I have looked at, I think I have decided to either go with the Composer or the Control Freak (formally 3G). So my question is this, which should I go with? If I decide on the Composer, I can order it right away. If I decide on the Control Freak I will have to wait until November (according to B&H)!

Does anyone own the 3G? If so � would it be worth my wait to get the Control Freak? (I want to wait for the Control Freak vs. the 3G so I can use the new Optic Swap System).

Does anyone own the Composer? Should I just get the Composer instead?

Ahh� I have always been bad at making decisions!

Paul

Leica SL

07/28/2009 04:15:04 PM · #2

I thought the Optic Swap system was for the Composer, so I'm unsure why you would want the Control Freak...

07/28/2009 04:20:45 PM · #3

From what I understand the Optic Swap System is for the Muse, Composer, and Control Freak. On the Lensbaby website: "The Original Lensbaby, 2.0, and 3G have not gone away. They have been reborn as the Muse� and the Control Freak�, updating our classic lenses with the new Lensbaby Optic Swap System"

07/28/2009 04:22:10 PM · #4

Control Freak has the optic swap as well.

The main difference is the fine tuning you can do with the Control Freak that you can't do with the Composer.

If you think you need fine tuning then wait for the Control Freak, otherwise get the composer. Both have the same set of aperture discs, both have the same focusing mechanism etc. etc. etc.

eta: It looks like the Control Freak allows you to get a little closer to your subject (30cm vs 45cm)

Message edited by author 2009-07-28 16:26:29.

07/28/2009 04:22:13 PM · #5

BTW Paul - I see you have the Composer, do you like it? Is the ball joint smooth?

Message edited by author 2009-07-28 16:22:45.

Leo

Apple iPhone Xr

07/28/2009 04:27:59 PM · #6

Have the Composer. It's supposed to be the easiest one to use. Yes, it's lot's of fun. It's equal to a 50mm lens (I assume all the LB's are equal to a 50mm). I have a lot more to learn about it and experiment with the different shots one can do with it. Hours and hours of fun...

Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7 Aspherical MF Wide Angle - Black

07/28/2009 04:31:10 PM · #7

What I like about the Control Freak is the Fine Tuning - but I like the idea of ease of use of the Composer... I still hate making decisions!

Leo

Apple iPhone Xr

07/28/2009 04:41:43 PM · #8

No matter which one you end up getting, I'm sure you'll have lots of fun with it. I chose the Composer because it seemed like the easiest to use... I ended up getting the Super Wide Angle attachment later and that's a cool accessory too. Lot's of fun... Take a look at some of

ecce signum LB stuff, he uses the macro accessories and the a "star" aperture ring too.

Paul

Leica SL

07/28/2009 05:22:06 PM · #9

Originally posted by moriadelacroix:

BTW Paul - I see you have the Composer, do you like it? Is the ball joint smooth?

Yes, I do like it - but I find I do specific shoots with it; I don't swap it in and out like I do with my other lenses.

07/28/2009 05:32:19 PM · #10

Composer freak here and tbh the only thing I see that the Control Freak has over the Composer is that you can tighten down the 'bend' so replicate shots over time. Is that a good thing? I'm not so sure as with the composer you can bend it then tighten the movement but easily change the position. Ooh, think that means the composer is the best choice unless you want your lens to look like its just got out of the dentists with a broken jaw ;)

Its a fun lens but in addition to being funky I honestly think it has helped me focus (sorry) on 'real' photography rather than the sharp and shiny dpc norm (not that there is anything wrong with that). I can honestly say after a few hundred clicks your own eyes will bend your vision, the LB is better (and cheaper) than a drug habbit.

07/28/2009 05:38:58 PM · #11

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

the LB is better (and cheaper) than a drug habbit.

Great - photography is like a drug for me already - the LB will be like upgrading from popping pills to Heroine!

Okay - you have all talked me into it. I just ordered the Composer. It should arrive on Thursday. I can't wait!

07/28/2009 05:55:10 PM · #12

Originally posted by moriadelacroix:

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:
the LB is better (and cheaper) than a drug habbit.

Great - photography is like a drug for me already - the LB will be like upgrading from popping pills to Heroine!

Okay - you have all talked me into it. I just ordered the Composer. It should arrive on Thursday. I can't wait!

lol, love the (improved) analogy!

Thursday you say? that gives you a couple of days to submit to here! and if its a day or two late there is always the permanent LB thread. Just like with any 'system' you will soon be after the wide angle, telephoto, macro closeup filters and creative aperture kit. Couple that lot with double glass, single glass, plastic and pinhole/zoneplate optics and you'll most likely overdose!

07/28/2009 06:02:08 PM · #13

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

Originally posted by moriadelacroix:

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:
the LB is better (and cheaper) than a drug habbit.

Great - photography is like a drug for me already - the LB will be like upgrading from popping pills to Heroine!

Okay - you have all talked me into it. I just ordered the Composer. It should arrive on Thursday. I can't wait!

lol, love the (improved) analogy!

Thursday you say? that gives you a couple of days to submit to here! and if its a day or two late there is always the permanent LB thread. Just like with any 'system' you will soon be after the wide angle, telephoto, macro closeup filters and creative aperture kit. Couple that lot with double glass, single glass, plastic and pinhole/zoneplate optics and you'll most likely overdose!

Yeah - I decided to wait on ordering any accessories - I figured I would eventually build up a tolerance for just the LB and would need more of a kick to get my fix! No need to overdose right away - well, I say that now, but I will probably be ordering the extras next week!

Thanks for the links!

07/28/2009 06:06:19 PM · #14

btw, the majority of dpc voters don't agree with images that are 'drug' enduced however, we small band of benders tend to stick together. And, if you want the really hard stuff you might want to stick a pinhole in a spare lenscap ;)

07/28/2009 07:18:58 PM · #15

I have noticed that the LB is not always DPC friendly, but I am fine with that - I enter the photos I enjoy and don't worry about what the masses think. If I can get one person to feel emotion or like my photo as much as I do, then that is a ribbon in my head!

Mmm... I may just be tempted to play with the really hard stuff. I wonder if I have a spare lenscap?

Message edited by author 2009-07-30 17:35:30.

07/30/2009 05:36:16 PM · #16

I just got a call from my gf. My new Lensbaby has arrived at home!!! Now I just have to wait until I get off work and drive home! I may just sneak out a little early!

07/30/2009 05:45:26 PM · #17

Originally posted by moriadelacroix:

I just got a call from my gf. My new Lensbaby has arrived at home!!! Now I just have to wait until I get off work and drive home! I may just sneak out a little early!

lol amanda, maybe you should leave off early? Please make you first shot a self portrait with the 'I've got a lensbaby' grin ;)

07/30/2009 07:19:06 PM · #18

I got the email that delivery was attempted and that I can pick mine up at the postal outlet. TOMORROW

Oh well, I only ordered it on Tuesday.

07/30/2009 07:29:24 PM · #19

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

I got the email that delivery was attempted and that I can pick mine up at the postal outlet. TOMORROW

Oh well, I only ordered it on Tuesday.

Don't start me on the 'delivery was attempted' thing, thats small fry! I'm getting A CORRECT COMPANY OR RECEIVER NAME IS NEEDED FOR DELIVERY. Tomorrow I hope to be able to send my Mr Pissed off email to UPS but need to have my new toy in my hands before I rubbish them, apparently both my name and address are incorrect and they want to return the package to Canada (more to follow).

07/30/2009 07:51:26 PM · #20

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

Originally posted by cpanaioti:
I got the email that delivery was attempted and that I can pick mine up at the postal outlet. TOMORROW

Oh well, I only ordered it on Tuesday.

Don't start me on the 'delivery was attempted' thing, thats small fry! I'm getting A CORRECT COMPANY OR RECEIVER NAME IS NEEDED FOR DELIVERY. Tomorrow I hope to be able to send my Mr Pissed off email to UPS but need to have my new toy in my hands before I rubbish them, apparently both my name and address are incorrect and they want to return the package to Canada (more to follow).

... but I can't play with it until Saturday. :( I have tickets to see the Irish Descendants tomorrow.

ooo. sorry.

It would definitely suck if it was returned. Was that the first attempt at delivery? If so, it could be just their standard message when noone is home to receive it.

07/30/2009 08:04:58 PM · #21

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

It would definitely suck if it was returned. Was that the first attempt at delivery? If so, it could be just their standard message when noone is home to receive it.

Sorry you'll miss having the LB on the gig :( I know exactly what they did and told the sender who talked to UPS and confirmed it. They attempted delivery to me at 'Low Barn' I live 100 feet away at 'Low Farmhouse'. I'd like to think that the delivery peeps could read an address and would also like to think that the numpties that live at Low Barn would point them in the right direction as they know I live at Low Farmhouse.

Message edited by author 2009-07-30 20:05:47.

07/30/2009 08:08:15 PM · #22

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

It would definitely suck if it was returned. Was that the first attempt at delivery? If so, it could be just their standard message when noone is home to receive it.

Sorry you'll miss having the LB on the gig :( I know exactly what they did and told the sender who talked to UPS and confirmed it. They attempted delivery to me at 'Low Barn' I live 100 feet away at 'Low Farmhouse'. I'd like to think that the delivery peeps could read an address and would also like to think that the numpties that live at Low Barn would point them in the right direction as they know I live at Low Farmhouse.

I guess they assumed Farmhouse means Barn and didn't even think that Farmhouse was the true address and does exist. They're not paid to think though.

Nikon AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D

07/30/2009 11:24:52 PM · #23

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

Please make you first shot a self portrait with the 'I've got a lensbaby' grin ;)

WooHoo!!! I have my Lensbaby!!! I was at work much longer than I thought but I am finally getting to play with it!!! Here is my 'I Just Got a Lensbaby' Grin:

Ok... that is not a self portrait, but that is the grin I have on my face! Here is my first self portrait with my Lensbaby:

(Excuse the grain/noise - it is dark in my house and that is what I get from 1600 ISO)

I can't wait until I can play with it in the sunshine!

smjbmw

Nikon D3100

08/06/2009 04:40:56 AM · #24

I have had 2 Lensbaby Composers (1 for canon and 1 for nikon)
Love the system.

Its accurate enough for what I use it for and is a blast to use.
Depending on what you use it for the composer is the most well rounded lensbaby product ever.
The control freak only would come into play for tripod use.

If your free handing then forget it.

The ball and socket system work fantastic as does the the optic swap system.
The only complaint I have is the focus system runs on a track inside the lens that dirt can get into.
So you need to clean it every so often otherwise focusing can become a bit less precise.
Just take out the optic in your lens baby and start moving the focusing ring back and forth and spray and dirt out with compressed air.

Here is some of my pics with the composer
//lensbaby.com/forum/profile.php?0,8419

PS. Forgot to mention that if your a Nikon user using anything under a d300 say bye bye to your light meter when the lensbaby is on. I actually love the challenge and for all my personal photography I never take it off my camera.

Message edited by author 2009-08-06 04:43:44.